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How many times in your career have you felt that you wouldn't get a particular job because you lacked the charisma of your competitors? It can be a challenge to try for a project management position while worrying about how you will be perceived in comparison to your competition.

Here's something you can take comfort in: charisma, despite what many people think, is not simply an inherited trait. It can be learned.

A recent article on Inc.com cited the research of psychology professor Howard Friedman, who has studied some of the most crucial elements associated with charisma. Here are some tips for prospective managers who want to come across as a bit more charismatic:

Speak up! Enthusiasm can be contagious, which is why it is important to express these feelings vocally. When speaking to someone, even over the phone, refer to them by name and make sure you sound like you are happy to be talking with them. No matter how busy or stressful your day has actually been, you will make them feel appreciated.

Lose the poker face. The news source notes that many people have a tendency to keep their faces closed during business discussions—especially when speaking with people whom they may not know well. Unfortunately, this gives the impression that you are not fully engaged in the conversation. Allow yourself to loosen up a bit, which will in turn make everyone else feel more comfortable.

Use your body language. Have you ever "acted out" a conversation? Many of us have found that additional hand gestures are a great way to keep people engaged in what we are saying. The news source claims that listeners can miss up to 75 percent of what you are saying if you don't use your hands—which sounds like a good reason to give it a try.

With practice, you can master these techniques and potentially raise your chances of becoming a project manager. In addition, New Leaf offers over 200 hours of training to elevate your skills to the next level. Our QPM games and white papers provide an affordable way to learn while you earn PDU credits forPMP recertification.

"PMI®," "PMP®," and "PMBOK®" are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

"QPM™" is a registered mark of New Leaf Project Management. All rights reserved.